New Delhi: The Russian embassy in New Delhi announced on Saturday that it is working closely with Indian authorities to expedite the identification and release of Indian nationals involved in Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Indian citizens caught in the Ukraine conflict have requested government intervention for their release, alleging they were coerced into military service under false pretenses of job opportunities in Russia. The Russian embassy emphasized that these individuals had voluntarily joined the military service in Russia.
“The agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia,” the embassy stated. It assured that all contractual obligations and compensation payments would be fully honored.
The embassy also acknowledged the deaths of some Indian nationals involved in the conflict, extending “deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased.” It added that Russia has since barred citizens from several countries, including India, from joining its military forces. “Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens from various foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces,” it noted.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed earlier this week that 91 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian army. Of these, 69 are still awaiting release. He reported that eight Indians have died, with the remains of four already returned to India. DNA samples have been sent for two cases from Haryana and Punjab, while the family from Gujarat has requested cremation in Russia, and remains from Uttar Pradesh are being repatriated.
Also Read | Scarborough Shoal Incident: Philippine Military Accuses China of Provocative Air Actions
The Russian embassy asserted that the Russian government did not engage in fraudulent schemes or obscure campaigns to recruit Indian nationals for military service. However, the Indian government has indicated that there is evidence suggesting many of these individuals were misled about their recruitment.
“We are not necessarily subscribing to that. I think in many cases there are reasons to indicate that our nationals were misled, that they were told that they were going for some other job and then they were deployed with the Russian army,” Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha.
Also Read | Bangladesh’s Chief Justice and Central Bank Governor Step Down Amid Widespread Protests
He revealed that the CBI has filed a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities, and evidence against 10 human traffickers has emerged. Two suspects were arrested on April 24, and two more on May 7.
“We should not jump the gun and say Russians are not serious on this matter. I think it is important to hold the Russian government to their word. We are here to get back those 69 people because Indian citizens should not be serving in the army of foreign countries,” Jaishankar added during the Question Hour, responding to concerns raised by AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi about actions against those misleading youth into joining the Russian army.
